Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kapalua, Napili, and Honokowai
For serious golfers, the name Kapalua should be synonymous with the
Kapalua Planta-
tion Course
(2000 Plantation Club Dr., 877/527-2582,
www.golfatkapalua.com
), a windy,
challenging, and scenic course that spreads out across the mountainside above D.T. Flem-
ing Beach Park. This par-73, 7,411-yard course is the most famous course on the island
and the site of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. You're somehow expected to focus
on your chip shot when you have the deep blues of the Pailolo Channel opening up before
you. You might want to forget the clubs and grab your camera. With the course's fame and
prestige, however, come greens fees toward the upper end of the spectrum. Regular golfers
will need to shell out $278 for a chance at tackling the Plantation, but those staying in the
Kapalua resort receive a discount that knocks the price down to $228. Greens fees decrease
as the day wears on, so those opting to play in the late afternoon can squeak in a round
for only $128 (although expect the wind to be howling). Club rentals are $65 (including
two sleeves of balls), and shoe rental is $14. To the find the clubhouse for the Plantation
Course, travel along Honoapi'ilani Highway (Hwy. 30) for one mile past the main entrance
to Kapalua resort and make a right onto Plantation Club Drive. You will wind your way up
the hillside and eventually see the clubhouse on your right.
PROFESSIONAL GOLF AT KAPALUA
Every year, the professional PGA Tour kicks off its season with the Hyundai Tour-
nament of Champions at the Kapalua Golf Course. Formerly known as the Mer-
cedes Championships, this tournament is unique in that only golfers who have won
a professional title in the previous year are invited to take part.
The event has been held on the Kapalua Plantation Course every year since 1999.
Play usually takes place during the first week in January (so don't expect to get on
the Plantation Course at that time). Golf legends including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els,
and Vijay Singh have all claimed the title at the Plantation, and in 2013, the winner
of the event was set to take home a cool $1.1 million for the effort.
